Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Graves’ Season 1 on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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If you don’t have EPIX in your TV channel lineup you probably haven’t seen Nick Nolte and Sela Ward in the series Graves. Nolte plays a former president who looks back at his life and 8 years in the White House with regret. He is in his twilight years and wants to right some wrongs. And Ward is his loving wife who has her sights on her own campaign for Senate. Their two grown children (Helene Yorke and Chris Lowell) now live with them in their New Mexico estate, and each have problems of their own. This is the epitome of a dysfunctional family.

Nolte told members of the press, “So it doesn’t matter whether it’s president or not president or Republican or Democrat. It’s a man that is aching. He knows he’s going to die and he’s looking back at his life, and some of the things he did earlier, he regrets the decisions of. There isn’t a president that doesn’t. But they don’t do anything about it because they’re in the public eye. We take license to be the satire and go into it.”

Series creator Joshua Michael Stern also commented about the series. “We went to a lot of pains to make sure that this character pretty much skews both sides of the aisle, and through the whole series, you’ll see that.”

The first season is filled with many humorous scenes as viewers see just how dysfunctional the Graves family is and how they keep much of their problems behind their front door. But with Margaret Graves kicking off her own campaign at the end of the season, it might not be that easy to do in season 2.

Skylar Astin comes in as Isaiah Miller, the new assistant to the president. His job is definitely harder than he imagined. This wide-eyed innocent and idealistic man changes drastically over the first season. He sees that his idol is not the man he thought he was. Or is he?

This is a good series to binge watch during a snowy or rainy winter weekend. It is entertaining in many ways and the cast is outstanding. There is a bonus feature dedicated to the cast. Ward confided that she didn’t want to do another TV series, but the writing and storyline of the show was too good for her to pass up. There is another bonus feature about making the first season, which was filmed on location in New Mexico.

Real life politicians make appearances throughout the series. This adds a bit of realism to this offbeat story. Nolte’s President Graves is a no-nonsense gruff man. The f -word is bantered around by all the characters in practically every other sentence. Drug use and smoking, as well as some nudity, are part of the stories, so this is definitely a series for adults.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The LEGO Batman Movie “Behind the Bricks” Featurette

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO® Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure: “The LEGO® Batman Movie.” But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

“Behind the Bricks” Featurette:

Fun new Animators’ products from Disney

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Animators’ Collection from Disney has just added some great new products. The collection depicts Disney characters as youngsters and has become popular among both adults and children.

There seriously cool new products for kids.

Animators’ Collection Melamine Plate Set
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The set of four plates are a fun way for kids to eat their snacks or sandwiches. The plates each measure six inches in diameter so they are not big enough for an entire meal, but are perfect for cookies, a small sandwich, or some fruit. They are dishwasher safe but not microwaveable safe. The four plates depict a young Lilo, young Alice, young Elsa and Anna, and a trio of Rapunzel, Snow White, and Pocahontas.

These colorful plates not only have the main character in the centers, but the entire boarders are covered with art that reflect the characters’ stories. The set lists for $14.95.

Animators’ Collection Teacups for Kids
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There are three different small cups for kids, which go along great with the plates. These cups are not dishwasher or microwaveable safe and are not for hot liquids, but they are good for a cold cup of milk. Each cup holds 4 ounces and each has a sturdy handle.

It would be nice to pair a cup with a corresponding plate for an evening snack.

The three cups are: Lilo, Elsa and Anna, and Alice. They are sold separately and each lists for $7.95.

Animators’ Collection Postcard and Paint Set
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Fourteen individual postcards come in this set that makes a fun activity for kids to do on a cold winter’s day. The set has one brush and each card includes six colors of paint.

Dip the brush in water and select the paint color. Kids can use their imaginations and design new colorful outfits for the characters or pretend they are animators at Disney and color in their favorite characters just like the pros. And when they are finished, they can stick on a stamp and send their art to grandma, or simply display it in their rooms.

The different cards are: 2 different Elsa and Anna cards, 3 Lilo cards, 1 Snow White card, 2 Tinker Bell cards, 2 Pocahontas cards, 3 Alice cards, and 2 Rapunzel cards.

Note: green is not one of the paint colors so you can use this lesson to teach your kids about colors. Simply mix the yellow with the blue to make Tinker Bell’s dress and Scrump’s body green. It’s fun to play with colors.

The set lists for $10.95.

Animators’ Collection Littles Micro Doll Play Set
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Talk about seriously cool. The new Micro Play Sets are just that. Each set comes with 13 pieces to set anyone’s imagination on fire.

The different sets are: Frozen, Tinker Bell, and Belle. They each come with their own case, which doubles as the location for fun. For instance, the Frozen set is centered around Elsa and Anna’s castle. Belle’s cottage is where she resides, and Tink’s little house is the case for her play set.

Open the castle, cottage, or house to see the interiors. Now, add the characters and their accessories and hours of fun are in store.

The Frozen set includes a small Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, trolls, two beds, a dresser, 2 dolls, and a cardboard tree to add to the outside setting. Then, hold onto your hat, there is a mystery character. Who will you get? Marshmallow, Kristoff? Or someone else? The coolest part about these sets is that everything – and everyone – can be placed inside the castle or cottage or house, and closed. They each have a handle, which makes them great for toting to a play date, grandma’s house, or anyplace.

The sets are for ages 3+ due to the size of the pieces. The Frozen castle is about 5 inches high and the Elsa figure is only 2 inches high, with the others measuring even smaller.
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They each come with a mystery character that goes along with their story. The cardboard accessories add a little oomph to the setting of the case. Belle’s is a well and Tink’s are some flowers. The Frozen standup cardboard accessory is a tree.

When they are not in use, put all the pieces inside and click the case shut. Then the castle – or cottage or house – can be on display!

Each set lists for $19.95.

The Disney Animators’ Collection is filled with the adorable and even angelic characters we have loved through the years. These newest products are entertaining, enjoyable, and delightful ways kids can play and experience their favorite characters in new and exciting ways.

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About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘The Powerpuff Girls” Tiara Trouble’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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Everyone’s favorite superhero sisters, Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup are back and better than ever in the all-new, reimagined The Powerpuff Girls, the iconic Cartoon Network series, which returned to television this past April after more than a decade. Now consumers can own 12 action-packed episodes from the Emmy-nominated hit series’ first season. It is girl power at its best with this refreshing new take on a pop culture classic, which is capturing the hearts of a whole new generation of viewers.

Included in the 12 episodes is “Once Upon a Townsville,” Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program, and “Viral Spiral,” the series’ highest-rated episode to-date.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of The Powerpuff Girls: Tiara Trouble, email us at [email protected] with “Powerpuff Tiara Trouble Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is February 11, 2017.

‘Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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It’s high action and spirited adventure when the Mystery Inc. gang visits the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, located in Sorghum City, an abandoned cowboy town–turned–tourist attraction. While visiting his cousin Tawny, Shaggy and his pals discover that the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, owned by Tawny’s family, is tormented by a ghostly cowboy named Dapper Jack Rogers, an ancestor who bears a striking resemblance to Shaggy!

The gang soon learns that Dapper Jack’s ghostly apparition has frightened most of the visitors from the ranch and nearby Sorghum City, forcing many businesses in the area to close. Without any tourists, the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, which has been struggling, is sure to close its doors. Unless Tawny raises enough money for the next mortgage payment, the family business will be sold.

Determined to save his cousin’s ranch, Shaggy puts the Mystery Inc. gang on the case, and together they set out to solve the mystery behind Dapper Jack’s haunting. It’s an unforgettable adventure set in the wild West, filled with rodeos, barn dances and non-stop cowboy high-jinks!

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Scooby Doo! Shaggy Showdown, email us at [email protected] with “Scooby Doo Shaggy Showdown Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is February 14, 2017.

‘Stanley & Iris’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Stanley & Iris is a 1990 movie starring Jane Fonda and Robert De Niro as two people who meet and eventually fall in love. This is definitely a dramatic story with few, if any, humorous moments as the two struggle with their own lives and families.

Fonda is Iris, a mother of two trying to make a living working in the local factory while supporting her young son, teenage daughter, and housing her sister and brother-in-law who themselves are down on their luck. Iris’ husband, the love of her life, passed away and she has no intention of finding another man.

Stanley is a cook in the factory’s mess hall. He’s barely getting by and living with his father. Stanley is hiding a secret. He cannot read or write. He is a highly intelligent man who slipped through the cracks all his life and is now paying the price.

Stanley and Iris develop a friendship and he finally gets up the nerve to ask her to teach him how to read and write. Her compassion for people is huge and she takes on this task with fervor. She works in the factory in the day and at night teaches Stanley in her kitchen while ironing and doing other tasks.

Stanley is a kind and unselfish man. Unfortunately, he has been kept back in life because he is illiterate. But his desire to learn is what ultimately breaks him out of his murky life. And he could not have done it without the equally kind and generous Iris.

This is a movie about two good-hearted people working hard to make their lives better. Iris has to deal with her grief while at the same time her family dynamic is changing as her teenage daughter realizes she is pregnant. And Stanley has his own emotional setbacks besides not being able to read. He cannot get a decent job so he has to put his father in a home for the aged to keep him fed with a roof over his head. That in itself tugs at his heart and is what eventually gives him the determination to pull himself out of the gutter and learn to read. Reading and writing are fundamental for this intelligent man who is is able to go from a ditch digger and a bathroom cleaner to an executive with an office and a medical plan. It just takes determination, hard work, and a loyal friend.

Stanley & Iris is a gloomy story until the end. It’s well acted, and while the majority of the film is rather dim, the ending is uplifting.

Stanley & Iris is rated PG-13.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ 50th Anniversary Edition

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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This 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of the classic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner comes with plenty of bonuses including a booklet about the film with photos from the set as well as pages about the stars and director of the movie. Also included on the Blu-ray disc are several video bonus features, most of which focus on the storyline of the film and the producer/director Stanley Kramer. The movie was a social comment at the time.

The story centers on a young couple in love. They are bi-racial and at the time the movie was made, it was illegal in several states for a mixed race couple to wed. This story captured the attention of the world as Spencer Tracy (in his final role) along with Katharine Hepburn and Sidney Poitier bring memorable performances to this drama that is peppered with humorous scenes that lighten the mood and entertain viewers. The movie introduced Katharine Houghton in the role of Joey, the young white woman who falls in love with a black doctor. Houghton’s character has no idea why everyone is making such a big fuss.

Steven Spielberg says Kramer gave us “socially conscience pictures.” He admits Kramer was one of his “favorite filmmakers of all time.” Kramer’s wife Karen says her husband “used film as a weapon” to fight against what he felt were injustices in society and the world.

Quincy Jones says the movie is “a profound statement” and “a big piece of our sociality.” Jones agrees with others that it is “a brilliant film.”

The winner of two Academy Awards and several other nominations, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is a classic movie with an amazing cast. Spencer Tracy delivers a fabulous performance and his final scene in the movie wraps up the film with a sentimental and provocative speech to the entire cast of characters.

The award-winning actor did not live long enough to see the final film in distribution, passing away several weeks after the production wrapped. His contribution to Hollywood and this film is timeless. It is difficult to imagine this film with any other actor in this role.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is not rated however it is a fun and entertaining film for everyone. this new edition will be released February 7, 2017. Come to the party! Enjoy this classic and memorable film.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Jude Law is ‘The Young Pope’ on HBO

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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The new HBO series The Young Pope stars Jude Law as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church. He is young and American, which in itself is almost an impossible choice for the cardinals to make. This is an interesting, offbeat, satire about a Pope who has strange ideas and different ways of carrying out his duties than any other Pope in the past.

When he spoke to members of the media, Law confided, “I wasn’t brought up in a particularly religious household, but I’ve always been curious about faith and one’s personal relationship with faith. And I suppose it encouraged me to question and look a that a little more.”

He also said he never thought he would ever play a Pope. “If you asked me two years ago, I would have laughed at the idea.”

Law was eager to work with director Paolo Sorrentino. “One of the reasons I love Paolo’s work,” he said, “is that he can take epic themes and operatic scale and make it very human. And when I was preparing for this part, I initially started, probably understandably, thinking, ‘Gosh, I need to educate myself on papal history, on Catholic history, on life in the Vatican.’ But I didn’t really find any answers as to who this character was. And Paolo kept reminding me that really I had to concentrate on who Lenny Belardo was, Lenny being the man.”

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Lenny is a lost soul. He grew up in an orphanage under the care of Sister Mary (Diane Keaton). Once he is elected Pope, he brings Sister Mary to the Vatican to help him. Lenny, now Pope Pius XIII, is his own man, however. “The vulnerabilities are there and, I hope, slowly unpeeled if you stick with the ten hours,” Law stated.

There is something strangely appealing about his offbeat Pope. “He’s full of contradictions,” Law acknowledged, “which I believe we all are, but he’s particularly contradictory, but he doesn’t lie. He’s a man of conviction from his own standpoint. And, you know, he’s trying to understand his heart. He’s trying to understand his faith, which I think you’ll see is ultimately what he’s always been doing, but now the spotlight’s really on him. And I think he imagined, getting the top job, that he would have a direct line to the person who’s guided him and seen him through a lonely existence. And that’s God. And the line is busy, and so he has to work out how to answer these questions for himself.”

The Vatican declined the request for the show to be filmed on location there. The Vatican gardens were filmed on location in areas of Rome. They built the Sistine Chapel in the Cinecitta studios in Rome, and they used a museum as the Papal apartment. Parts of the series were filmed in South Africa and the USA. For authenticity, they reproduced 30 works of art.

While this is definitely a strange story with very odd and often self-indulgent characters, The Young Pope is outlandish and fun to watch. It’s not for kids, though. Adults only.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Lost in Florence’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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When an American man takes his American girlfriend to Florence, Italy to propose, he doesn’t get the response he was hoping for. On the contrary, after she declines, Eric’s (Brett Dalton) life takes a completely different path as he becomes more involved with the people and places of Florence. Lost in Florence is a sweet little film that takes on the beauty and culture of this amazing city.

After his girlfriend Colleen (Emily Atack) leaves him, Eric is devastated. His cousin (Stana Katic) and her Italian husband Gianni (Marco Bonini) help him to recover his emotional stability. Gianni introduces him to the ancient sport of Calcio Storico and Eric jumps right in. After all, he was an aspiring NFL player and loves sports of all kinds. This sport, however, has no rules.

“Calcio Storico is a game that dates back almost 100 years,” says producer Wendy Blackstone. “Originally, it was played by the Medicis, the Popes, and other members of the nobility, on the frozen Arno River during the winter. The ball was designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci. The game was also used as a form of training to keep soldiers fit and disciplined It is actually the predecessor of soccer and rugby.”

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These days the game is played in June, the time of year tourists flood into Florence. Writer/director Evan Oppenheimer was fascinated by the game and wound up making this movie that intertwines the game with the personal story of the floundering leading character, Eric.

Eric starts seeing Gianni’s sister Stefania (Alessandra Mastronardi), who happens to be his team captain’s girlfriend. This is a concern for Eric, but not enough to stop him from continuing his relationship with Stefania, while keeping it a secret from Paolo (Alessandro Preziosi), his captain and good friend.

The entire movie was filmed in Italy and the scenery is amazing. It’s like a travel film, with gorgeous backdrops at every turn.

Oppenheimer explained about the title, “I think we all feel lost in a new country – a new culture – and Eric’s situation is compounded by the fact that he is lost in his own life. As the film shows, that can change in a heartbeat with love, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Eric finds all of these things, paving the way for a sequel: Found in Florence!”

Lost in Florence is a not a romantic comedy. It’s an interesting story that brings several elements into one film. There is the love aspect, and the beauty of Florence. But there is also the sport and the aspect of brotherhood. It’s not the greatest movie but it has some entertaining aspects. And, it is a good advertisement for the splendor of Florence. The movie opens in theaters January 27, 2017.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter